Murrumbidgee Irrigation

As part of celebrations for World Wetlands Day, February 2nd, Murrumbidgee Irrigation and Southern Star Films are offering two free community film nights at Griffith Regional Theatre on Friday 2 February at 6.00pm, and at the Leeton Roxy Theatre on Friday 9 February at 7.00pm.

World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997 to raise public awareness of the value and benefits of wetlands and to promote their wise use and conservation. The MIA is fortunate to have three iconic wetlands in the region, Barren Box in Griffith and Fivebough and Tuckerbil in Leeton.

The Leeton wetlands are significant sites in national and international terms and were designated Australia's 62nd Wetland of International Importance on October 21, 2002. These wetlands are very important for sustaining a great diversity of waterbirds, and 24 of 83 waterbird species recorded are migratory species.

“World Wetlands Day encourages us to celebrate wetlands as special places. Wetlands and water support life and sustain people's livelihoods, including everyone in this region,” said Heidi Magner Barren Box Project Officer.

Family entertainment for the night will be the much loved Australian film, “Storm Boy”, which is set in the Coorong National Park, South Australia. It is about a boy growing up next to a wildlife sanctuary and is a beautiful film about his friendship with a wild pelican. At the same time, the film explores human attitudes to wilderness.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation is the caretaker of Barren Box Storage & Wetland which is now in the commencement phase of its rehabilitation after the completion last year of major redevelopment works to improve the site's efficiency and environment. “There is growing recognition of the value, functions and benefits that wetlands provide in our landscape. Yet, they still remain one of our most endangered environments, with over hundreds of wetlands in the Riverina region having disappeared,” said Miss Magner.

On both nights Westend Estate will be showcasing its “Snowy River” range of wines which was created to recognise the significance of the Snowy River for the MIA agricultural region as well as to financially assist the rehabilitation of the Barren Box Wetland site. Complimentary wine tasting prior to the film will be available. A generous discount will be offered for orders placed and proceeds will be donated back to the Barren Box Wetland Rehabilitation project.

“Storm Boy” is rated G and is recommended as a great film for both children and adults. Murrumbidgee Irrigation appreciates the support of the local theatres to be able to bring this free event to the MIA community.

Tickets need to be collected prior to the evening – contact the Griffith Regional theatre on ph: 6961 8388, or Roxy Theatre Leeton ph: 6953 2074 for ticket collection details.